Two years ago, Sean Fraenkel and loyal four-legged companion, Rocky, conquered the Namib Desert on their first major bikepacking expedition together. They covered a whopping 1300 km from Walvis Bay to the South African border. The trip raised funds for animal welfare. Now they’re doing it again, this time, taking the mountains of Lesotho.
Sani Pass, South Africa (10 February 2026) – Rocky entered Sean’s life around seven years ago. A rescue with no inkling of the adventurous life he was yet to lead.
“We took him in about seven years ago to help a family friend whose gran developed dementia and could no longer look after him. My girlfriend and I adopted him then, and he’s been part of our lives ever since. He’s around ten years old now and still full of character. He’s more than just a dog, he’s genuinely my adventure partner.” says Sean.
Adventure runs through Fraenkel’s veins. A long-distance cyclist and diver, his preferred mode of moving through the world is on his bike.
His greatest cycling trip happened more than a decade ago, when he cycled the Spine of the Dragon, a 4200 km journey across the length of South Africa and through Lesotho, from the Zimbabwean border to Cape Town, raising funds for animal welfare. His dogs, Tequila and Turbo, came along for the journey.
Pictured below (left), Tequila passing through Lesotho 11 years ago and (right) Rocky, now on Day 4 of their journey.
“I’ve been bikepacking and long-distance cycling for about 15 years now, and it’s become my favourite way to explore the world,” he says. “I got hooked through my uncle, Bruce Davis. We started small – he built me a homemade trailer and we did a few days riding through the Baviaanskloof with two of my Jack Russells, Turbo and Tequila, in tow.”
Beyond the simplicities of bikepacking and the perspective that his adventures bring, Sean’s knack for documenting his adventures – through writing and sharing his journeys online – has helped him navigate a chronic anxiety disorder.
“I have a chronic anxiety disorder and a fear of public speaking, so these adventures have helped me become more comfortable with speaking to camera and sharing that online,” he says, adding: “Sharing the journey and receiving positive feedback has helped me develop a skill that’s been genuinely life-changing. If you look at most successful entrepreneurs, almost without exception they’re strong communicators, and this has been a very real form of exposure therapy for me.”
On the topic of travelling with a four-legged adventurer, journeys require meticulous planning. Sean says Rocky’s well-being always comes first.
“There’s a lot more planning than a solo trip. You need to think about food, water, weather exposure, border regulations, rest days, and exit options if things go wrong. Rocky’s wellbeing always comes first – shade, recovery, food and water, and knowing when to stop or turn back. Flexibility is just as important as planning.”
Now four days into their second great journey together, the duo have already tackled the foothills of the Drakensberg from Matatiele to Underberg and made their way up the iconic Sani Pass – both a challenge and highlight of the trip so far.
“It took us five hours to cover the 9 km from the South African border post to the top, mostly hiking and pushing the bike. The scenery was incredible,” says Sean. “It was brutally beautiful. About halfway up, with endorphins firing from the trek and the scenery opening up around us, a wave of emotion hit me that nearly brought me to tears… okay, maybe one or two actual tears.”
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After a well-deserved rest day, they’ll head off to remote mountain terrain along the southeastern edge of Lesotho – this stretch is properly off the beaten track.
“I’ve plotted a potential route across the escarpment, about 60 km, with no official paths, possibly no signal, and no support. I’ll assess the terrain today to see if it’s feasible. It carries a high level of risk, which is part of the attraction. The solitude and scenery will be extraordinary,” he says “I genuinely love this kind of challenge. It’s cold and wet up here on the summit, and it’s going to be a real test of endurance and resolve for both of us.”
This time around, the duo are doing it for the experience. A man and his dog, taking the Kingdom in the Sky.
“It’s really for the pure love of the ride and the outdoors. The goal isn’t speed or distance — it’s immersion. I wanted to explore the lesser-travelled edges of Lesotho, experience the mountains slowly, and share a story about companionship, resilience, and choosing the harder, more meaningful route.”
The magic lies not only in the climb, but in taking it all in.
“The quiet moments, sitting on a mountain slope with Rocky, watching the clouds roll in. The kindness of strangers in tour buses cheering us on. And those tough climbs where you question everything, then realise you wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.”
Follow Rocky’s Ride on Instagram to watch the adventure unfold!
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